Certifications

Service Disabled Veterans Owned Small Business (“SDVOSB”)

Honor, Duty, and the Commitment to Excellence

The U.S. Federal government created provisions for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) to help the wounded and disabled veterans of the United States compete against companies that have been entrenched in the Federal marketplace for years. While the intent has been to give back to those who have defended our nation, the practical matter is that doing business with an SDVO Small Business results in an advantage for the contracting federal agency.

The same qualities which have enabled these service disabled veterans to successfully defend our nation carries over into their businesses, via their leadership, management skills and work ethic. If you listen to these veterans, you will be struck by their passion for Honor, Duty, and the Commitment to Excellence.

The Pentagon issued a statement that the Federal Government is striving for 3% of all Federal contracts to be awarded to SDVOSB’s.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”)

What is a DBE?

A DBE is a for-profit small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. In the case of a corporation, 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and, whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Why Contract with a DBE?

Caltrans is committed to increasing the economic opportunity and development of Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) within the State of California. Caltrans is committed to an SB participation goal of 25% and DVBE goal of 5% on State funded contracts and procurement opportunities.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (“HUB Zone”)

Proving Local Household Benefits

The agencies of the U.S. federal government are required by the HUB Zone Empowerment Act to contract with HUB Zone certified small businesses for more than 3% of their budget in the form of prime contracts to HUB Zone firms. The government has made some progress towards these goals but by and large remains below them.

Many contractors are unaware of the opportunities that are available through these agencies that are engaged in the hiring of contractors for the upkeep of properties owned, occupied or affiliated with the agencies. These agencies act in a similar manner as a general contractor deploying work to many subcontractors. Further, the government is set to grant billions to community development projects. Nearly everyone calling for more government spending is also calling for better accountability of where this money goes. Ideas include posting specific projects online, their status, how much they cost, and how many people they employ. These goals are impossible to achieve while the agencies deploying work are vastly inefficient. Unfortunately, many recipients of government agency contracts operate their business with limited use of technology